As we enter the Advent season, we’re reminded how grateful we are for the Gayton family God has brought together. At Gayton, we’re committed to growing in faith, serving with joy, and building real community. Our mission is simple and central to all we do: to be disciples who make disciples of all generations.

This second week of Advent centers on peace. Advent invites us to look for God’s light breaking into the world and to remember that Christ’s coming brings strength, peace, and renewed expectation. As we worship, serve, and gather this season, we hold onto the truth that Christ is our hope—both in our personal journeys and in a world longing for light.

This season brings meaningful opportunities to worship, serve, and connect—but it also invites us to remember those who may be entering Advent with heavy hearts: those far from family, those who feel alone, and those unsure of their needs being met. As a church, we hold these brothers and sisters close in prayer, and we seek to be the hands and feet of Christ for anyone who needs care, connection, or encouragement.

We hope you’ll lean in, watch and wait with hope, and join us in embodying God’s love in ways that bring the light of Christ to our community.

To stay up to date on everything happening at Gayton—including upcoming events and opportunities to serve—be sure to check The Glance each week. Click here to subscribe to The Glance.

Note: All news items are due by Mondays at 5 p.m.

This Sunday, we will gather at the Lord’s Table as we share Communion together. We invite you to join us as we remember Christ’s gift of grace and prepare our hearts for the Peace of Advent.

Start your morning at 9 AM with the Bridges Adult Sunday School Class, then join us at 10 AM for worship with music, singing, and a message from Rev. Bryon LePere for the second week of Advent — Peace. Drawing from Romans 15:4-13, Rev. Bryon will guide us into the gentle Peace of Advent, echoing Paul’s prayer that God would fill our hearts with joy and peace as we trust Him, and that the Holy Spirit would cause us to overflow with hope.

Kids (K–5) have their own worship at 10 AM, and nursery/preschool care is available at 10 AM and 11 AM (as volunteers allow). 

At 11 AM, we offer Bible studies for kids, youth (with brunch!), and adults. Nursery and preschool care are also available during this hour (as volunteers allow). And don’t forget to stop by the Coffee Bar before class begins! 

In the afternoon — from 2 PM to 7 PM — our Youth will participate in the Christmas Amazing Race, one of Gayton’s most anticipated holiday traditions! Students will gather in the gym before heading out across the Richmond area to complete Christmas-themed challenges, solve clues, and share a whole lot of fun. Rev. Jennifer has some fantastic surprises planned — we can’t wait to see it unfold!

Also, Don’t Forget:

• The Gayton Post Office is open: Please write the recipient’s first and last name on each card, and remember to check the tables for any Christmas cards addressed to you.
• Poinsettia orders are due: This will be your last chance to order online or fill out a form at the Welcome Desk.
• Northside Outreach Center Toy Drive Ends: Collection boxes are located at the Welcome Desk.
• Gayton Family Tree: If you haven't already, please bring an ornament representing your family for our Gayton Family Tree, which will be decorated that day. Please label your ornament with your name(s) and plan to pick it up on Sunday, January 4.

May this Peace of Advent settle deep within us, reminding us that God’s hope is still breaking into our world.

What a joyful afternoon at Gayton! After worship, our church family came together to transform the campus for Advent and Christmas. From hanging garlands and wreaths to decorating trees and placing family ornaments, the building is now filled with beauty and anticipation for the season ahead. Thank you to everyone who served with such joy and energy. Your care and creativity helped make Gayton shine with the hope of Christ this Advent. Coming Soon: Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more photos.

This past Wednesday, our Gayton family — along with many guests from our community — gathered for a joyful evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer at the Jingle Jam Variety Show, presented in partnership with ASQ. The night was full of festive performances, creative skits, and family-friendly fun that reminded us of the wonder of the Christmas season. We’re grateful to every performer, volunteer, and host who helped make the evening such a gift. Thank you for creating a warm, welcoming space for our church and community to celebrate together! Coming Soon: Be sure to check out our Facebook page for more photos and video clips from the night!

As we prepare for Hope Awakes, our annual Christmas concert celebrating the light of Christ and the hope He brings, we’re reminded that the beauty of this season is something we create together. On Sunday, December 14, we will gather for two worshipful performances at 3 PM and 5:30 PM, welcoming our church family and guests into a space filled with music, joy, and the promise of Christ’s coming.

To help make this meaningful event possible, we’re inviting our Gayton family to step forward and serve. We are seeking volunteers to assist with food provision and hospitality support as we host this cherished tradition. To ensure that Hope Awakes continues to flourish as a meaningful Gayton tradition, we rely on the faithful support of volunteers — this concert truly happens because of your generosity and willingness to serve.

We hope you’ll prayerfully consider joining us as we prepare to shine the light of hope together.

Dear Friends and Members of Gayton,

The season to celebrate the birth of our Savior is upon us. What a blessing it is to gather with God’s people to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to join in learning from God’s word. As we remember God’s ultimate gift to us, we remember those we love with gifts, too.

God has provided for us and has worked throughout our church family and staff in many amazing ways during this past year. We are truly blessed to have such a talented staff of men and women who provide leadership, administration, operations, inspiration, and point us to Jesus through music, word, and deed at Gayton.

Traditionally, the Gayton family has shown its appreciation for our staff through a Christmas monetary gift, rather than including it as a salary bonus. This affords friends and members the opportunity to contribute as they are led.

How to give your love offering if so desired:

• Check: Donations by check should be made out to Gayton Baptist Church. Please write “staff gift” on the memo line. Place the gift in the offering boxes throughout the church or in the offering plate during a service.
• Online: Make your online gift through e-giving by selecting “Staff Christmas Gift.”

We pray that God continues to bless you all during this Christmas season and throughout the new year.

In Christ,

Anne Hill

Chair of Servant Leadership Council

Start the new year by rooting yourself in God’s Word! Join us as we read through the Bible in one year using The Bible Recap. Whether you’re new to Scripture or have read it many times, this plan offers a simple, accessible way to grow in understanding and love for God’s Word.

Each month, readers will gather for fellowship, food, encouragement, and discussion as we journey through Scripture together.

For more information about the reading plan, visit thebiblerecap.com or contact Karen Bowles or Janet Letteer.

For: All students in 6th–12th grade (friends welcome!)

What is DNOW?

A youth discipleship retreat held at Gayton, featuring:

• Small-group Bible studies in host homes
• Worship gatherings with guest band & teaching
• Meals, games, and community-building
• A Kindness Scavenger Hunt
• 
  

When: January 23–25, 2026

Begins Friday at 6 PM; ends Sunday after students lead Youth Sunday worship at 10 AM.

Where:

Most activities at Gayton Baptist Church; students stay in nearby host homes (all hosts/background-checked).

Why DNOW?

A powerful blend of discipleship, friendship, service, and fun—helping students grow in faith and community.

How to Sign Up:

• Complete the registration form
• Cost: $80 (includes meals, materials, shirt, journal, welcome bag)
• Bring medical release + code of conduct
• Invite friends!
• Deadline: Sunday, January 11

We are excited to offer another way to give! Just text “give” to (757) 379-8236 (or scan the QR code) for instructions to complete your gift. It’s quick, safe and convenient! Please reach out to our Financial Administrator Kelly Chin with any questions.

For more information, contact Worship Pastor Matt White.

Here is a summary of the tithes and offerings received in October 2025:

* Total Tithes & Offerings (October): $69,897.06

* October Budget Goal: $65,000.00

* Surplus: $4,897.06

Your generous giving supports ministry, missions, outreach and the daily operations of the Church.

Want to keep up to date with prayer requests? Click here to receive prayer request emails.

Did You Know? Gayton Members are eligible for RightNow Media, which has thousands of multi-media personal and group studies. Click the here and get started!